A few days ago, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 109-seat chamber, alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio blocked her attempts to raise motions on the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State because she refused his sexual advances. Elaborating on this, her statement read that the Senate President made inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his Akwa Ibom residence on December 8, 2023 and on several occasions leading from that day.

Consequently, she categorically accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, submitting a petition to the Senate which was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions by the senate president.

 

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During the plenary today, the Senate President denied the sexual harassment allegations, doubling down on his claim of holding the highest respect for women. Thus, the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, citing procedural violations. The committee ruled that because Akpoti-Uduaghan personally signed the petition instead of having it endorsed by someone else, it was “invalid” and “dead on arrival”.

Following this, today, the committee recommended her six-month suspension, claiming she had brought the Senate and its presiding officer into disrepute.

 

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Amid the controversy this week, protests broke out in Abuja, with one group holding placards that stated, “Natasha Apologize” in support of Akpabio, while the other rallied behind Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding “Akpabio Must Go.” In interviews, though, many protesters backing Akpabio admitted they weren’t even sure why they were there. Some struggled to explain the details of the protest, while others seemed unaware of the sexual harassment allegations entirely.

Some of the women protesting on Senator Akpabio’s behalf seem confused about why they are supporting him. One woman told me she doesn’t know the whole story but they told her to come and support akpabio pic.twitter.com/GI49CwyvvY

— Adesuwa G (@Adesuwa_G) March 5, 2025

Another woman supporting Senator Akpabio at the protest says she’s here so he will win the position .. I told her he is not running for a position pic.twitter.com/SRyGeKg975

— Adesuwa G (@Adesuwa_G) March 5, 2025

The reactions from fellow women senators were particularly contentious.

“Senate Is A Place Of Honour, Matured Minds and Not Controversy.”

~ Nigeria First Lady, Remi Tinubu pic.twitter.com/jEAftdK7p5

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) March 6, 2025

 

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Senator Ireti Kingibe recommended Senator Natasha Akpoti be suspended for six months as she’s a member of the ethics committee

She was not In chamber for the debate as she is reportedly attending International Women’s Day events

— Adesuwa G (@Adesuwa_G) March 6, 2025

On Arise TV last week Tuesday, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa dismissed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s harassment claim, saying female senators cannot claim harassment and calling it a sign of weakness. Similarly, in an ARISE NEWS interview last week Friday, Senator Ireti Kingibe denied knowledge of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She also stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan had received more privileges than other female senators and had never raised concerns about harassment with them.

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has faced past sexual misconduct allegations, including a 2020 accusation by Joy Nunieh, former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). As reported by The Cable, Joy Nunieh accused him of sexual harassment, stating that she slapped Akpabio at his guest house in Abuja after he allegedly tried to assault her. “I am the only woman that slapped Akpabio. He thought he could come up on me. He tried to harass me sexually,” Nunieh said in an interview with Arise TV, adding that as an Ogoni woman, she does not tolerate “nonsense.”

Despite attempts by some senators to reduce Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension period to three months, the Senate upheld the six-month suspension. The suspension entails barring the senator from her office, withdrawal of her allowances and security, and cessation of her legislative duties during this period.

The details of this case are staggering in their brazenness. A sitting senator accuses the Senate President of harassment. The Senate dismisses her claims, citing procedural technicalities. Then, the accused, Akpabio, presides over the case and leads the effort to have her removed. With female representation in parliament at an all-time low since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, her suspension further diminishes the already scarce female voices in the legislative process. The incident also highlights the broader issue of how allegations of misconduct, especially those involving gender-based claims, are addressed within male-dominated institutions.

For the constituents of Kogi Central, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension means a temporary loss of direct representation in the Senate. During her absence, the region may face challenges in having their interests adequately voiced and addressed at the federal level. This hiatus could affect the progression of local projects, policies, and interventions tailored to the needs of Kogi Central. In other words, the people of Kogi Central have effectively lost their voice in the Senate for six months, their representation stolen by a vindictive political body that refuses to tolerate dissent from a woman.

The suspension has sparked significant reactions on social media platforms, particularly among women.

The injustice shall not be sustained- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti

She stood on business and she will not stand alone!!!

The battle line has been drawn!!!

Equity and justice will always trump tyranny and injustice.
It just takes time!!!! pic.twitter.com/2jDABDHJnT

— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) March 6, 2025

Many have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express their discontent with the Senate’s decision, viewing it as an attempt to silence a female voice and suppress allegations of misconduct.

Not a single senator has said “this is not right”. Not one. Wretched elders are a blight on society. Not a single iota of bravery or honesty in that place. The real den of iniquity

— Jola (@Jollz) March 6, 2025

This thing happening to Senator Natasha Akpoti is dangerous for women's rights in Nigeria. Nigerians do not fully comprehend the scale of abuse this is opening doors to.

But again, Nigerians lack foresight and when results pour in, una go start "But how did we get here?" yarns.

— 4 (@ProbablyDafe) March 6, 2025

Some also argue that the swift dismissal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations without thorough investigation may deter other women from coming forward with similar complaints, perpetuating a culture of silence and continued marginalization.

Moreover, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is being supported for her courage in speaking out despite the risks. The hashtag #IStandWithNatasha has been trending on X, with many users expressing support for the senator and condemning her suspension.

She’s abused… she gets blamed.
She keeps quiet about it, she gets blamed.
She speaks up, she gets blamed, shamed, framed.

If she gives up… they still won’t shut up.

She is all of us, past, present, and future, if we don’t unite against injustice!#IStandWithSenatorNatasha

— Dr Chioma Nwakanma-Akanno (@DrZobo) March 6, 2025

You’ve earned our respect @NatashaAkpoti ! pic.twitter.com/EMEJ4q6IvG

— . (@FakhuusHashim) March 6, 2025

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti .
You. Will. Never. Walk. Alone. ✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾 pic.twitter.com/rxSMpo4vu8

— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) March 5, 2025